Digital archive provides access to millions of rural photos
For a century, four generations of Mark Stovall's family have worked the land of his Madison County farm. So a recent Internet advertisement promoting old aerial photos of rural homesteads and farms around the nation grabbed his attention.

Nelson: Athens hit with some bad news
The sad economic news arrived via e-mail late Wednesday afternoon. Overhead Door's Athens facility, which makes garage and sectional doors for the residential and commercial construction industry, is the latest local casualty of the big hurt the trampled economy has put on the housing business.

Nelson: Downtown gets BBQ place
Russ Graham and Tom Powers are convinced that Athens is the "best college town in America," and as such the town deserved to have its own barbecue restaurant in its downtown district, Graham said.

Califf: Lack of Facebook makes time for reflection
After about three weeks of Facebook absence and to what I can safely refer to as a substantial obsession over leaving "The Book," I found myself forgetting that Facebook ever existed. During the moments where I would normally be commenting on wall posts or sifting through profile pictures, I turned to the sounds of National Public Radio, exploring shows like "Morning Edition," "Talk of the Nation" and "Fresh Air."

Samsung Galaxy S phones do Android proud
SAN FRANCISCO - The more phones that hit the market using Google's Android operating software, the harder it is for each offering to stand out from the black-and-silver crowd.

Plastic Logic yanks Que e-reader from its queue
SAN FRANCISCO - Back in January, a startup called Plastic Logic Ltd. excitedly showed off its Que ProReader: a large, thin, touch-screen-enabled e-reader geared toward business users. The plan was to ship it this year.

Madden promoted to VP at Plum Creek
National land management company Plum Creek has promoted Pete Madden, in the company's Oconee County office, to vice president of operations support for the business.

Eastside buffet restaurant closes
The Plantation Buffet restaurant on Gaines School Road in Athens closed Aug. 8. Owner Keith Gray, who also owns the original Plantation Buffet on Martin Luther King Drive, had opened the eastside location in July of last year in the Village at Cedar Shoals shopping center.

Physicians coalition hosting town meeting
The Coalition of Athens Area Physicians and EmPath Health will host a town meeting from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday to discuss electronic health records and how doctors in the region can access stimulus funds to set up electronic recordkeeping.

Uncle Otto marks 10 years of kebap
A little more than 10 years ago, Achim Reus and his wife, Angela Jones-Reus, opened Achim's K-Bob on South Lumpkin Street where Cali 'N Tito's is now and introduced Athens to a sandwich that had been popular in Germany for decades.

Ten Pins Tavern opens in old bowling alley
The new bowling alley and bar/restaurant taking over the former Kingpins Bowl & Brew will be called Ten Pins Tavern - Bowling, Food & Spirits, said Wayne Carson, the owner of the new venture.

Belk hosting party for brides-to-be
The Belk department store at Georgia Square Mall is hosting an "Engagement Party" for brides-and-grooms-to-be at 5:30 p.m., Thursday. The three-hour event will be held at Belk's gift registry department and will feature food, beverages, entertainment and prizes. Certified bridal consultants will be on hand to give advice and help couples determine what items they need for their new home and life together. Consultants will help guests create a personal registry for each bride-to-be's gift selection.

Williamson honored by Athens Pilot Club
At its 2010 awards ceremony, the Classic City Pilot Club recognized Sam Williamson of Williamson Brothers Realty & Auction Co. Inc. for his 16 years of service.

Nelson - Young Wedding
Annette A. Nelson of Watkinsville, Georgia and Kevin J. Young of Watkinsville, Georgia, were married on May 22, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at 2821 Flat Rock Road, Watkinsville, Georgia with Rev. Will Zant officiating. A reception followed the ceremony.

Garrard - Moore Wedding
Lauren Lewis Garrard of Athens, Ga. and David William Moore of Moultrie, Ga. were married on July 10, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Chuck Hodges officiating. A reception followed the ceremony at the Conservatory of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Burglar surprised by child at home
A man pried open the front door of a home in the 2200 block of Robert Hardeman Road on Thursday morning, but he ran out the back door when he saw a young boy was inside, Athens-Clarke police said.

Woman threatens to shoot another
A woman who goes by the name "Black" allegedly pointed a gun at another woman and threatened to shoot her during an argument Thursday night at Clarke Gardens Apartments, Athens-Clarke police said.

Shoplifter: Diapers were for day care
A Watkinsville woman who was charged with shoplifting at an Athens Kroger on Friday told police she needed the 29 packages of diapers in her cart because she was starting a day care center.

TV stolen from West Broad apartment
A $1,700 plasma television was stolen Friday from an apartment at the Park on West Broad complex. The burglar may have climbed onto the second-floor balcony and entered through a sliding glass door, police said.

TV, ring taken in home break-in
Thieves climbed through the window of a woman's Eastside home between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Thursday and stole a flat-screen TV, an engagement ring and other jewelry, and video games, altogether worth $2,779, Athens-Clarke police said.

Burglar breaks into Stonehenge house
A burglar came in through a Stonehenge Way house's unlocked back door Friday, then broke into a locked bedroom. A flat-screen television and stereo, each valued at $500, were taken.

UGA releases terms of new AD's deal
New Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity signed a three-page memorandum of understanding with the Athletic Association a day before UGA announced his hire.

Analyst: Investigation now a burden at UNC
ABC and ESPN television analyst Kirk Herbstreit said Thursday that as an NCAA investigation continues, it's becoming a burden for North Carolina and other schools that have been under scrutiny.

Dougan: Islamic center is New York's issue
I've been disheartened by the controversy over the plans to convert an old Burlington Coat Factory building into a Muslim cultural center in lower Manhattan. Critics of the plan argue the government should intervene to prevent construction of an Islamic worship center near the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, ignoring the fact that such action would violate the Constitution. Why are people who claim to revere the Constitution so willing to discard it if it becomes inconvenient?

Spotted: People, Places & Things
Merit Award: The University of Georgia Performing and Visual Arts Center Complex corridor recently received the Merit Award for outstanding design and professional achievement from the Georgia chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The award acknowledges the contributions of landscape architectural consultant ECOS Environmental Design Inc., as well as UGA's Office of University Architects, the Physical Plant's grounds department and the Office of Sustainability. The landscape created more than two acres of new greenspace on East Campus in an area that was once a parking lot but was removed in 2007.

Richey: Prevent colds with goldenrod
From late August through September, fields and roadsides turn golden yellow, which marks a kind of fifth season between the end of summer and the beginning of fall. It's the season of goldenrod. A way to celebrate this fifth season is by preparing a cup of relaxing, goldenrod tea, which also is a great preparation for the cold and flu season.

From Animal Control: Meet Grady
Grady is such an adorable puppy with a personality to match! A Good Samaritan that found him lying in a ditch with a broken leg picked up this little guy. Poor Grady's leg seems to be totally useless. Though his leg makes getting around a little tougher, Grady still enjoys exploring Animal Control and greets everyone he meets. Grady loves to be around people and will make himself comfy in any lap that he can find. Grady has a very sweet and calm disposition. Despite probably being in a lot of pain, Grady was very good and let the staff at Animal Control look at his injuries without protest.

Perspectives 2010 back with a twist
"If it ain't broke don't fix it" is an old adage, but one that works well for the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation's annual version of pottery-mania, Perspectives.

Military News
Army Pvt. Ashley N. Priest graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Priest is the daughter of Candy Priest of Carlton and is a 2007 graduate of Madison County High School in Danielsville.

Iran: Reactor will meet 'peaceful' nuclear needs
BUSHEHR, Iran - Trucks rumbled into Iran's first reactor Saturday to begin loading tons of uranium fuel in a long-delayed startup touted by officials as both a symbol of the country's peaceful intentions to produce nuclear energy as well as a triumph over Western pressure to rein in its nuclear ambitions.

Obama starts vacation with new summer book
VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. - In the first full day of a Martha's Vineyard vacation, President Obama set aside some of the cares of office Friday to work on his family's summer reading list.

Both sides pessimistic on summit
JERUSALEM - As their leaders prepare to return to the negotiating table for the first time in 20 months, many Israelis and Palestinians already agree on one point: Chances for success are slim.

U.S., BP find unlikely partnership
NEW ORLEANS - For months, the U.S. government talked with a boot-on-the-neck toughness about BP, with the president wondering aloud about whose butt to kick.

Poll: Nearly 6 in 10 oppose Afghan war
LAWRENCE, Mass. - A majority of Americans see no end in sight in Afghanistan, and nearly six in 10 oppose the nine-year-old war as President Barack Obama sends tens of thousands more troops to the fight, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll.

Airstrikes, bombs kill 21 across Afghanistan
KABUL - Scattered violence ranging from airstrikes to roadside bombs killed at least 21 people over a 48-hour span, including U.S. troops, Afghan children and members of the Afghan security forces, officials said Saturday.

Obama challenges campaign finance ruling
VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. - President Obama says Republicans should join him in opposing a Supreme Court ruling that vastly increased how much corporations and unions can spend on campaign ads. Instead, the GOP wants to "keep the public in the dark" about who's behind the expenditures, Obama charged in his weekly radio and Internet address, released Saturday as he vacationed on Martha's Vineyard.

Australian vote closes with no clear winner
CANBERRA, Australia — With 76 percent of the general-election votes counted Saturday, Australia appeared headed for the first time in 70 years for a hung parliament that would allow three independent lawmakers to decide the nation’s leadership, according to media reports.

Flooding exposes government's divide
ISLAMABAD - Massive flooding in Pakistan has added to criticism of the already-weak civilian government while boosting the image of the military, a potential blow to U.S. and domestic hopes of fostering a strong Pakistani democracy after years of army rule.

Karzai OKs anti-corruption units to combat rampant bribes, graft
KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghanistan's president pledged Friday to let Western-backed anti-corruption teams pursue investigations free from political interference following two rounds of candid talks with U.S. Sen. John Kerry that the lawmaker said were marked by "sometimes tough" conversation.

Pakistan thanks world for opening its wallets
UNITED NATIONS - Pakistan thanked the world Friday for opening its wallets and said more than 20 million flood victims now know that nations and people around the globe are standing with them during the worst disaster the country has ever faced.

Fewer memberships land golf clubs in rough
MAMARONECK, N.Y. - A few weeds have popped up on the fairways, and summer's heat has scorched the grass here and there, but the golf course at the Hampshire Country Club is still tidy and scenic, its little waterfall still burbling through the rocks.

Convicted Jordan killer believes he will go free
LILLINGTON, N.C. - A man convicted of killing Michael Jordan's father said in an interview Friday that he will one day walk free from prison, contending a new report on mistakes at North Carolina's crime lab shows the evidence against him is falling apart.

Forest ranger's tip leads to 'most wanted' couple
ST. JOHNS, Ariz. - A forest ranger who alertly spotted a pair of fugitives at a remote Arizona campsite was hailed Friday as "a true hero" after his tip allowed a heavily armed law enforcement contingent to capture the couple.

Australians face cliffhanger election
CANBERRA, Australia - Australians choose today whether they will fire their first woman prime minister after only two months in power and return to conservative rule in a cliffhanger election that threatens the survival of a first-term center-left government.

Few signs of life in Trail Creek
State environmental regulators and local environmental activists are looking for signs of life returning to Trail Creek, where thousands of fish were killed by the chemical spill that followed a July 28 fire at J&J Chemical Co., near the headwaters of the stream.

By the time spill's magnitude known, damage done
Both state and local officials were slow to grasp the scope of the chemical spill after a massive fire at an Athens chemical plant July 28, according to records released by Athens-Clarke County and the state Environmental Protection Division this week.

Youthful drinkers arrested
Nearly two dozen University of Georgia students didn't even make it to the first weekend of fall semester before they landed in jail.

Redo of alley likely to play well with fans
The clock is ticking for a multimillion-dollar makeover just outside the University of Georgia's Sanford Stadium, but university and construction company officials say the $10 million facelift for once-gloomy Reed Alley will be finished by the Bulldogs' first home game Sept. 4.

Feds pass on extradition of former principal
Federal authorities will not seek to extradite the former principal of Winterville Elementary School accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an after-school activities fund at the school.

Budget strains Barrow
With more than 50 percent of Barrow County's budget going to public safety, commissioners struggle to cut millions of dollars from already-slim budgets without taking large chunks from the sheriff's office and Emergency Services department.

Winder turns down grant to help restore hotel
The Winder City Council voted unanimously not to accept a $500,000 state Department of Community Affairs grant that would have paid part of the $1.3 million cost to renovate a century-old hotel in downtown Winder.

Teachers' group backs Barnes
ATLANTA - Democrat Roy Barnes has won the backing of one of Georgia's largest teachers' groups in the race for governor.

Cyber Academy freshmen OK'd
Home-schooled freshmen will be able to take their courses online this fall, after the state Board of Education signed off on an amended charter petition for the Georgia Cyber Academy.

Candidates virtually tied, new poll shows
ATLANTA - Republican Nathan Deal and Democrat Roy Barnes are statistically tied in the governor's race, according to a poll released late Thursday that also shows incumbent Republican Johnny Isakson with a comfortable lead over Democratic challenger Michael Thurmond.

Ombudsman earns kudos from adviser
Students who couldn't behave in a regular classroom or dropped out are returning to the classroom and doing well at a new privately run school, according to a Clarke County School District graduation adviser.

Sweep in Atlanta nets sex offenders
ATLANTA - Metro Atlanta authorities arrested dozens of sex offenders suspected of failing to comply with Georgia's strict registration laws in a three-day sweep that ended Friday, the first operation of its kind in Fulton County and one that officials hope will soon spread throughout the state.

Hundreds turn out to mourn S.C. toddlers
ORANGEBURG, S.C. - Hundreds of mourners struggling with the deaths of two South Carolina toddlers said goodbye Friday to the energetic, wide-eyed brothers who authorities say were killed by their mother.

United States of Hysteria
If you re-engage the American media after a month out of the country, as I've done recently, it's hard not to conclude that hysteria now is the dominant characteristic of our politics and civic conversation.

Forum: Disposable chopsticks become issue in China
China's Ministry of Commerce, together with five other ministries, issued this warning in June: "Companies making disposable chopsticks will face local government restrictions aimed at decreasing the use of the throwaway utensil. ... Production, circulation and recycling of disposable chopsticks should be more strictly supervised."

NeSmith: Sorriness becoming epidemic
Your best friends are good listeners. And sometimes you just can't suppress a secret any longer. You have to confess. That's why you need a confidant to listen.

Editorial: Making good arguments is a real science
As was made clear on the University of Georgia campus and elsewhere in the academic world last week, there is a serious disagreement over the question of how much oil remains in the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of the April disaster on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig. Over the course of several weeks, the rig spewed a few million gallons of oil into the Gulf, and onto the marshes and the beaches of miles of the Southeastern U.S. coastline.

Towery: Death and politics: A love story
Some weeks ago, I received a handwritten note from an old friend. Back in the days when I had served in elective office, and when I chaired Newt Gingrich's campaigns, this man always had been there for me. He put up campaign signs and raised money for me.

Forum: Karzai and America's Vietnam mistake
Amid growing debate about whether the United States should stay in Afghanistan, one issue of agreement is that Afghanistan's president, Hamid Karzai, is both the central figure in the war and its weakest link.

Young: Some government can be a positive thing
Is it just me, or is there something absurd in having candidates actively campaign for government office on the platform of less government? It rather sounds as if they were running on the pledge that if elected, they promise to do nothing.

Dupuy: 'Post-racist' society not what you think
The MSNBC documentary series "Lockup" ran a story earlier this month about a Maricopa County Jail inmate charged with identity theft named Cecil Kunkel. The 29-year-old Kunkel has a swastika tattooed on top of his "skinhead." He's covered in "white power" slogans and imagery. The only ink-free spot on him is an empty space in the shape of another swastika over his heart. The crew first finds him spending time in the hole as disciplinary action for refusing to house with black inmates. When asked why he refuses, Kunkel says, "Because it's wrong ... nothing personal - it's just the way it is." In the next scene, Kunkel is caught on camera beating an African-American inmate who is, of course, smaller than he.

Thomas: Islamic center a zero-sum game
After months of dithering by the White House about the "Ground Zero Mosque" in lower Manhattan, President Obama endorsed the project at a recent Iftar dinner. The president said, "as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances."

What others say: China's growth is opportunity
The market liberalization launched by Deng Xiaoping in December 1978, has delivered a remarkable prize. Recent growth figures showed that China has overtaken Japan to become the world's second largest economy. At this rate, it is set to supersede the United States just 20 years from now, to become the world's economic superpower.

Cochran: Some win, some lose in realignment
This season feels different, doesn't it? That is probably because it is different. A new set of region alignments were proposed in December and ratified in January, moving teams around the state like pieces on a chessboard.

Plenty of work still left
JEFFERSON - The consensus following the Jackson County-Athens Christian scrimmage Friday was that both teams were relieved that the game didn't count in the standings.

Eagles laying foundation for future
In Bill Forman's first year as head football coach at Athens Christian, the Eagles recorded a 5-5 mark, which in many corners would be considered a good season.

Patriots putting faith in underclassmen
LEXINGTON - When Larry Milligan took over as Oglethorpe County's coach last season, he inherited about a dozen seniors who guided the Patriots to nearly as many wins as the previous three years combined.

Titans triple up at quarterback position
BOGART - In just its seventh year of existence and third year of region football participation, North Oconee might have reached a point where it can establish an identity as a traditional force.

Eagles prepping hard for revamped region
In just three seasons - two of them in Region 8-AA - East Jackson has displayed remarkable advancement, going 10-2 and reaching the playoffs for the first time in 2009.

Battle-tested Tigers up for more challenges
A quick glance at Commerce's record over the last three years might lead people to think the Tigers are experiencing a downturn, but nothing could be further from reality.

REALTORS AROUND ATHENS…Meet Mike Joyner
“Home is where the heart is” is a lovely observation meant as a reminder to us to be grateful for our friends and family and to devote ourselves to things that matter…heart and home.

First Time Homebuyer?…It can be a wonderful Experience!
Alicin and Richard were engaged and planning their wedding when their parents offered them the nicest wedding gift they could have asked for…closing costs! After hearing about the tax credit offered to first time home buyers earlier this year, the young couple decided to start shopping for their first home.

Building Your Own Home – Getting Started
Real Estate is the “big buzz” these days because the gauge with which we measure how well the economy is doing is based largely on the job market and the housing market.

Dogs fall in coach's debut
Duke's Molly Lester scored the match's only goal in the 14th minute on Friday, sending the 24th-ranked Blue Devils to a 1-0 win against Georgia in both teams' season opener.

Atlanta's rally falls just short
CHICAGO - After getting swept by the division-leading Reds and Padres at Wrigley Field, Tom Gorzelanny wanted to make something clear after a win over another first place opponent.

Johnson qualifies first at Bristol
BRISTOL, Tenn. - Jimmie Johnson crossed winning at Bristol Motor Speedway off his to-do list in March. Now he'll try to make it two in a row by starting from the pole in tonight's race.

Nats defeat Phils, Strasburg injured
PHILADELPHIA - Rookie ace Stephen Strasburg exited early, wincing with a strained tendon in his right forearm, and the Washington Nationals went on to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-1 Saturday night.

Busch sweeps at Bristol
BRISTOL, Tenn. - Kyle Busch made NASCAR history Saturday night with an unprecedented sweep of three national races in one week, completing the trifecta with a victory in the Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

U.S. overcomes rocky start to beat Lithuania
MADRID - Kevin Durant scored 15 points and the United States overcame a poor shooting start and early nerves to beat Lithuania 77-61 Saturday in a warmup for the basketball world championship.

Atwal retains lead after 65
GREENSBORO, N.C. - India's Arjun Atwal shot a 5-under 65 on Saturday to take a three-stroke lead in the Wyndham Championship, the PGA Tour's final pre-playoff event.

Harvin returns to Vikes following hospital visit
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin is back with the team after an overnight hospital stay following a scary migraine attack, though his return to the field remains unclear.

Manuel: Bay may be out for season
PITTSBURGH - New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel says outfielder Jason Bay, out for a month with a concussion, may not return this season.

Snedeker joins Atwal in lead
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Brandt Snedeker feels right at home in central North Carolina, no matter which course he plays.

Big Ben solid in return
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Pittsburgh Steelers may be fine without the suspended Ben Roethlisberger for the start of the season.